July 2023

INSIDE

Americans Showing Up for Summer Vacation p. 3

Speaker Trainer has People Talking p. 6

Ill-Prepared Couple Bicycles

Across Country p. 8

Historic Move for Affordable Housing

Families connected to century-old home gather, share memories

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Nostalgia for days gone by mixed with gratitude for historic preservation and affordable housing solutions filled the warm summer air as members of three Flagstaff families came together unexpectedly to watch the century-old home that had been an important part of their lives move to

another neighborhood downtown.

Homeowner Helene Babbitt, who, with her husband, the late Jim Babbitt, bought the house at 12 N. Hillside in 1995, donated the home to Townsite CLT. The local non-profit organization will preserve the 103-year-old, two-bedroom, one-bath bungalow and make it available as affordable housing in Flagstaff.

“Jim and I talked about moving the

house years ago,” said Helene. “I live across the street from it. I wanted a smaller house, a house that wouldn’t need repairs for the next 20 years.”

Helene called up Townsite CLT Executive Director Duffie Westheimer to see if the organization was interested in the house. “She didn’t skip a beat. She said, ‘Yes!’ and everything fell right into place.

“This is one more piece of history that will be maintained,” said Helene, noting that Jim had a deep love for Flagstaff and was a major force in the town’s historic preservation. “It came

to my attention how housing prices are really difficult for many people. It makes me happy to know that this home will be cared for and lived in for years to come.”

Among the small gathering were three generations of Babbitts: Helene, her son, Charles, along with his wife, Traleigh, and their four daughters, Britania, 7, Isla, 8, Kalista, 14, and Stella, 17, who was born in the house.

“This meant so much to my grandma [Helene],” said Stella Babbitt, who will be attending Arizona State

Continued

Following the Dream of Travel

Avenues of the World celebrates 30 years of helping people explore the planet

By Betsey Bruner, FBN

Lake Lugano, Switzerland, 1977: Two children, Yves, 6, and Monika, 10, are frolicking in the water, swimming and floating on air mattresses. Their families, all Swiss citizens, are vacationing in adjoining homes for the summer.

Plant-Based Legacy Continuing at Morning Glory Café p. 10

Ham Operator Bob Wertz Makes Award-Winning Contact p. 14

Public Art Promoting Community Character p. 18

BE FIRE AWARE

1. Check for campfire restrictions before you go.

2. Properly dispose of cigarettes.

3.

been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler magazine as a 2023 travel specialist for Switzerland.

“It’s a very special recognition that goes to only a few advisors per year,” he noted.

Monika came first to the U.S and settled with her first husband in Flagstaff and started working at a travel agency in town. On November 3, 1993, she went into business partnership with two clients, Joe and Connie Levesque.

travel the globe and share their knowledge and tips with clients. Courtesy photo

July 2023 | Issue 7 Volume 16

Forty-six years later, Yves and Monika Leuenberger, married since 1997, are still sharing adventures together, and bringing friends and clients along for the ride.

The vehicle for all this fun is their Avenues of the World Travel agency on East Cedar Ave. in Flagstaff, which will be celebrating 30 years of business in November.

They’ve already had their anniversary business party, as they will be in Africa in November. “We are celebrating now because the weather is nice, and we were all around,” said Yves.

The country of Switzerland remains at the heart of their lives and business. Monika recently has

After her first marriage ended, Yves would visit her in Flagstaff. “Our entire families are so close,” he said. “We visit each other when traveling.

When you’re in the Western part of the U.S., you visit Monika.”

The couple kept in touch long distance and grew closer. “The fourth visit in 1995 was when the two magic wires were put together,” Yves recalled about their relationship.

He came to live in Flagstaff in 1996. They bought out their partners over the years.

“Now it’s just our business,” Monika said. “We’ve been all over Flagstaff – Route 66, Fourth Street and now at this location on Cedar for six years.”

Continued on page 35

Avenues of the World owners Yves and Monika Leuenberger, shown here with their dog, Zorro,

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Ooh la la – Summer Travel is Back

Tourists are rediscovering the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, Caribbean beaches and African savanna

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

If you are dreaming about island hopping in the Aegean Sea or calypso dancing on a Caribbean cruise, industry experts say you’ve probably missed the boat for this year. Cruise lines that struggled to get a meager conga line going during the pandemic are now struggling to find space for your deck lounger.

Travel industry experts report the summer vacation is alive and well. Eighty-five percent of Americans plan to travel this summer, according to the “Summer Travel Survey & Trends 2023” report by The Vacationer. From French cafés to African safaris to the Nashville music scene and mega cruises, tourists are showing up in a big way, and travel companies are busy.

The romance of travel can perhaps best be seen in the “City of Love,” according to U.S. News & World Report. The publication lists Paris as its No. 1 Best Vacation Spot. “It’s the charm –the sidewalk cafes, the people watching and the amazing French wines,” explained Avenues of the World Travel Advisor Monika Leuenberger.

Major attractions include the Louvre Museum, where the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo greet an estimated 45,000 people a day, the Eiffel Tower, romantically aglow at night, the Palace of Versailles, considered one of the finest achievements of 17th century French art and Monet’s Garden, where visitors can almost recreate the famous impressionist artist’s water lily paintings with an iPhone.

The same report ranks London as No. 2; however, USA Today, places the land of Big Ben and big palaces royally at the top of its list. “There is just so much amazing history and it’s very easy to visit as there is no language barrier, which intimidates some people,” said Leuenberger. “While it’s a huge city, it’s easy to navigate and the British Museum is fantastic! Buckingham Palace is always a favorite and there are great shows. This

city truly covers it all!”

Travelers Choice Awards by Trip Advisor lists Cancun its No. 1 travel destination, considered to be in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean with its famous white beaches and turquoise blue sea. It’s also a great value, says Leuenberger. “The big draw are the fabulous beaches and the interesting Cenotes, the freshwater underground caves with an opening in the top. It has resorts for everyone, from the family-friendly all-inclusive to the exclusive intimate resort where you have your own plunge pool.”

Meanwhile, cruise ships are filling up fast, so much so that it’s difficult to find a cabin. “Some river cruises are fully sold out through this fall,” she said. “The smaller the ship, the quicker it fills up and as ships fill up, prices go up.”

Also, biking and hiking trips have become

Continued on page 31

Avenues of the World Travel Advisor Monika Leuenberger says hiking the Inca Trail is one of her favorite experiences. “I have hiked it twice and there is not much that I love more than sending my clients to Peru! Ecuador and the Galapagos are also a popular destination for the active traveler.” Courtesy photo

The most famous room of King Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles is the Hall of Mirrors, built to illustrate power and impress guests, which it continues to do today, as almost 15 million people visit the architectural landmark near Paris each year. Photo by Bonnie Stevens

Recycling Revamp

Changes made in Flagstaff recycling program

By Diane Hope, FBN

Recent months have seen some significant changes in how the City of Flagstaff manages its recyclables. In late April, residents were asked to halt putting out their recycling materials, while commercial waste went to the landfill for about a week. All collections resumed after a week and a half, with no residential recycling going to the landfill.

Why the glitch?

It’s just one ripple effect of significant changes in recycling worldwide in the last six years, especially China’s 2018 National Sword policy. Chinese recycling processors stopped handling nearly half the world’s recyclable waste, and so many U.S. communities stopped taking plastics #3 through #7.

Economies of scale also play a big role in recycling – a challenge for smaller communities like the City of Flagstaff, which has full control over single-family household residential recycling within city limits. There is an open market for commercial recyclers for waste from apartment complexes and businesses, with private companies like Waste Management,

which has a waste transfer station on Flagstaff Ranch Road and a regional materials recovery facility in Surprise.

When Evan Tyrrell took up his role as the Solid Waste Public Works Section director for the City of Flagstaff seven months ago, he inherited a 20-year-old recycling contract that he says no longer made economic and operational sense. The city’s contract with the Norton Environmental sorting facility on Butler Avenue stipulated that the city would deliver an annual minimum of 20,800 tons of mixed recyclables to Norton Environmental with a processing fee of $34.25 per ton. But because the city was delivering no more than 7,500 tons a year, it was incurring a “putor-pay” fee of about $400 annually, to pay for the shortfall.

“But it wasn’t just a volume issue,” explained Tyrrell, “the plant’s equipment was getting to the end of its useful lifetime, so wasn’t so efficient anymore.” Also, the saleable price of recyclables has experienced huge swings over the last few years with increasing labor costs.

The Norton contract included a processing fee of $34.25 per ton, but the industry norm is $80 to $100

per ton. Possible rebates based on recyclable commodity sale prices can bring that down to around $60 to $80 per ton, but combined with Norton not getting the put-or-pay fee until the end of each year, the company didn’t have “day-to-day operating funds to keep everything running properly,” Tyrrell continued.

In early May, the recycling contract between the city and Norton Environmental, due to expire on Sept. 30, 2023, was terminated early by mutual agreement. The Butler Avenue facility is now being operated by the city as a recycling drop-off and transfer station. And on June 20, Flagstaff City Council approved a new six-month agreement (with two three-month extensions possible) with Friedman Recycling Company, which will recover, process and transport recyclables to the Phoenix area.

The material will first be compacted and the weight of loads will be maximized, to minimize the number of shipments and associated carbon footprint.

Where do Flagstaff’s recyclables go? Metals typically stay within the region, mostly going to mills that process aluminium and steel in Phoenix. Glass goes to Strategic Materials Incorporated, a glass recycling pro-

DELIVERING PERSONALIZED CARE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

cessor in Phoenix. For cardboard, the closest recycling plants are in New Mexico, while for plastics, it’s more complicated, as there are no plastics recycling mills in Arizona.

“Currently we can only accept plastic containers #1 and #2 and they go farther afield,” said Tyrrell. “The China Sword policy shift has had some positive impacts though. It’s made

the U.S. become more self-sufficient, bringing new mills online to recover and recycle the plastic domestically. “Because our revised operation will transport material to state-of-theart materials recovery facilities, the recovery rate of the city’s recyclables will be much better compared to the aging Norton plant,” said Tyrrell, Continued on page 34

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The Butler Ave. facility is now open for recyclable drop offs. Courtesy photo

Expanding Your Business by Raising Your Voice

Arvee Robinson changes lives by teaching others how to speak up

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Peggy Woods had the picture-perfect life, the picture-perfect family and the picture-perfect marriage. At least, that’s what others saw. Behind closed doors, the picture wasn’t pretty. Woods was controlled, demeaned and often physically abused by the man she married as a young woman. She began to write poetry to express her feelings. She shared her poems with friends who praised her talent. She wrote a heartfelt poem to her husband, communicating her love, pain and confusion. He responded by forbidding her to ever write another poem again.

“That was the last piece of me I wasn’t going to give up,” she said softly to a group of women who erupted into a roar of cheers on a

rooftop patio in Puerto Vallarta.

Just days before, these women were strangers, arriving in Mexico from all over the United States, each one an entrepreneur, serious about promoting her business authentically, through the power of her voice and her unique story. They came to learn from The Master Speaker Trainer Arvee Robinson, a woman who has delivered more than 3,500 speeches, written best-selling books, shared stages with speaking giants and transformed hundreds of lives and businesses through public speaking.

“I believe that everyone has a message to share that only they can give to people who can only hear it from them. And that message will change someone’s life, their business or their soul,” said Robinson.

Woods, now in a healthy marriage, holds a doctoral degree in ministry and is the CEO and founder of Write Now Publishing in Corona, California. Her superpower is helping busy people write books fast. “Everybody wants to write a book, but nobody has the time,” she said. “I coach my clients and we get it done.”

However, she avoided public speaking and therefore believed she was limiting the number of people who would find out about her, people who could use her help. “I was nervous about trying to remember the lines. But then I met Arvee Robinson. I was so impressed with her techniques. She has a simple way of helping you to remember.”

“Speaking is not an amateur sport,” Robinson explained. “It’s a profession. And like all professions, you need comprehensive training to succeed. You need structured training that includes a step-by-step system that you can replicate for every speech you give.”

Robinson’s signature style involves a speech sandwich, with tasty stories and hardy meat. “When I was a little kid, my mom used to give us all bologna sandwiches. She would have one piece of bologna between two pieces of Wonder Bread and a little bit of Miracle Whip. Now, if there was not a piece of bologna in there, we would have known, right? That’s what happens to the speeches that

Continued on page 33

Since 2006

Arvee Robinson’s book, “Speak Up, Get Clients: How to Use Public Speaking as a Marketing Strategy to Attract Highpaying Clients,” is available on Amazon and also on Audible and other popular audio platforms. Hear more from Robinson on Zonie Living at StarWorldwideNetworks.com

‘Spontaneous Revolutions’ has Readers Rooting for Unlikely Athletes

Unusual travel guide makes for fun summer read

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

If you have ever felt intimidated by a physical challenge you weren’t ready for or a daunting goal that didn’t seem possible, you may be happy to meet and cheer on

Liza McQuade and Clark Campbell

These two inexperienced, out-ofshape, middle-aged cyclists prove to be champions anyone can get behind in what may well be this summer’s greatest anything-is-possible-witha-good-attitude read: “Spontaneous Revolutions: Seeing American One Pedal at a Time.”

The likable, everybody’s-favorite-neighbors kind of couple “trained for their cross-country bike ride by eating in dozens of restaurants, pairing the meals with amazing wine and discussing how they were going to get in shape…tomorrow!” writes McQuade. And when it was time for getting those wheels rolling nearly every day for four months, that would

be fine after a hearty breakfast and one more cup of coffee.

As McQuade and her husband are reminded repeatedly throughout the book by steep grades, aggressive drivers, mean teenagers, relentless

grasshoppers, torrential rain, body shamers, painful falls and mechanical disfunctions, they had no business taking on the ambitious goal of riding their bikes from Portland, Oregon, to Portland, Maine. As McQuade writes,

Trusted Relationships + National Strength

they were overweight and also didn’t know how to change a flat tire.

When we told people we were biking across the country, they often assumed we meant on a motorcycle. When they discovered we were on

bicycles, their expressions turned to shock, especially after giving our bodies a once-over.

Motivated by the hope of staying ahead of hailstorms or the promise

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Left: Liza McQuade celebrates the 2,000-mile mark of the more than 3,000-mile journey. Right: “The success of a trip like this, barring accidents or any serious health issues, is determined between your ears,” writes McQuade. “So, I preferred to start a climb without knowing anything. (Sort of like an ostrich, but different.) That way, you take

it comes, one pedal at a time.” Courtesy photos

Woman Business

of the Month

Jewels Livingstone Maintains PlantBased Focus at Morning Glory Café

By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

Jewels Livingstone’s start as owner of the Morning Glory Café was rough. She had worked there parttime for 15 years with Maria Ruiz, the woman who established the restaurant, known locally for its organic plantbased options.

When Ruiz died unexpectedly in 2009, Livingstone found herself with the café and no recipes to go with it.

“It was horrible losing her. I had just taken her to the doctor the day before she passed,” said Livingstone. “Maria’s daughter, Angelica, immediately flew in from New York and I asked her if she would move back to Flagstaff and help run Morning Glory Café with me. She told me she wasn’t interested but would give me Morning Glory Café if I wanted to give it a try. I told her I would, and she gave me the keys to the front door.”

With very little money to supplement the restaurant, Livingstone made it work. “I was insane with grief but quit my full-time job and took a leap of

faith. I just started paying the rent on the restaurant, buying groceries and making the tamales.”

Today, the menu offerings are more than 90% organic and 100% plantbased. “We partner with local growers and grow some of our own produce in our on-site garden,” she said.

One popular menu item is the Breakfast Sandwich with veggie sausage, red pepper, cashew cheese, spinach, avocado, tomato and red onion, served on a toasted English muffin alongside home fried potatoes or fruit. Other favorites include the Tamale Breakfast Combo, Breakfast Tacos, Blue Corn Cakes, Bean and Cheese Burritos and the Tempeh Avocado Sandwich.

“There’s a lot of love and passion here,” said Kitchen Chief and Team Leader Dennis Givens. “I’ve worked here for four years, and our food is healthy and mostly organic. We buy from Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) or Natural Grocers, but we also grow a lot in our garden. We compost all of our food scraps and

we are

super sustainable. We produce less than a single household’s worth of trash each week and even use our grey water for landscaping. It’s hard work but I’m rewarded by the business’s growth and seeing people eat healthy.”

The café maintains its tradition of

a pay-it-forward program, in which customers can offer $10 and write a note for what Livingtone calls a “Mitzvah Board.” Mitzvah is a Hebrew word meaning good deed. “People who are in need can come in and take donations from the Mitzvah Board,” she said.

Livingstone was born in Fort Jefferson, New York. She spent most of her childhood in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and attended high school in Fountain Hills.

She came to Flagstaff in 1992 to study environmental science at Northern Arizona University. Her son, Alden, 23, also lives in Flagstaff and cooks in the café one day week.

“He gives me a nice break from the kitchen,” she said. FBN

Morning Glory Café is located at 115 S. San Francisco St. For more information, go to morningglorycafeflagstaff.com or call 928-774-3705.

Morning Glory Café owner Jewels Livingstone enjoys a moment outside the restaurant. Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Livingstone stands near the front counter of the restaurant known for its emphasis on organic, plant-based whole foods.

Morning Glory Café Front of House Lead Karly Moyers and Plant-Based Kitchen Chief and Team Leader Dennis Givens stand with Livingstone in their commitment to serving healthy food.

Every day, prepared.

Wildfire preparation protects you, the community and first responders.

Providing you safe, reliable energy is our top priority. That’s why we work year-round to prepare for wildfires. During elevated fire conditions, power outages may be extended until crews can perform visual inspections of lines and remove any potential hazards that could pose a fire risk. In the event of a wildfire, power lines may be temporarily taken out of service to protect your community and firefighters. Working together, we can be prepared. Here are some things you can do to be ready for wildfire season.

• Keep grass, weeds, trees and shrubs trimmed. Dispose of trimmings and trash properly.

• Get emergency alerts through local resources and visit ein.az.gov to create an emergency preparedness plan.

• We care about your safety and want to keep you informed with alerts if there’s an outage in your area. You can help us by making sure your contact information is up to date. Learn more about managing your alert preferences at aps.com/alerts

• Have flashlights, batteries, a portable cell phone charger and water handy. Please visit aps.com/wildfiresafety for more information.

Athena Meets Challenges with Wisdom

FBN celebrates women leaders at ATHENA Awards

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

In the messy world of Greek mythology, Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, is displayed in statues, such as the one at the Louvre Museum in Paris, wearing a helmet, suggesting that she’s ready for combat. However, in a famous contest with Poseidon, she demonstrates how her superpower comes from her mind, and that’s how she wins battles.

Once upon a time, Athens, Greece was a city called Cecropia, named after Cecrops, a legendary king who was half snake, half man. But Cecropia had not yet been blessed by a god and that was a problem because it was not protected in a supernatural way. The gods that showed interest in watching over the city and having it named after them were Athena and Poseidon.

That was also a problem, particularly for Zeus, the most powerful god and ruler of all the other gods. Athena was his favorite daughter (who sprang to life from his head as a full-grown woman, but that’s another story) and Poseidon, god of the sea, was Zeus’

brother. To decide which god/goddess would claim the glory of the city, Zeus set up a competition, essentially having each one show what they could do for the people there.

Poseidon welcomed the challenge and stepped forward with great confidence. Using his magnificent might and penchant for drama, he thrust his trident into the earth and created an underground sea, which flowed out from the hole he made. Impressive move, but because the city had rivers and access to the sea, legend has it that the people weren’t all that impressed.

They looked to Athena. She met the challenge in her calm, strategic way by kneeling to the ground and planting something. To the peoples’ amazement, up grew an olive tree, the first one ever seen, which provided wood, shade, olives and olive oil. Very useful, they thought, and Zeus agreed. Thus, Cecropia became Athens.

Athena’s essence shows up today when women are recognized for their ability to solve problems, succeed in business and mentor others. ATHENA International founder Martha Mayhood Mertz says women leadership has never been about ego, women have simply wanted to have a voice at the table where decisions are made that affect everybody.

“Women have held in their hands the tools for effective leadership from time immemorial,” she said. “Women bring the multitude of talents they employ as mothers, homemakers and people balancing all the demands of others in our lives, often unpaid and unappreciated, into the professional realm. We are supremely prepared for the stresses imposed by leadership at every level. We know how to exercise leadership by using the competencies we have always used.”

Quad Cities Business News, a sister publication to FBN, is honored to present the 4th Annual Quad Cities ATHENA Leadership Awards, 3-5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 24, at Starting Point in the Prescott Gateway Mall. Nominations are being accepted now for three award categories. In addition to the traditional ATHENA Leadership Award, this year, FBN will also be presenting the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award as well as the ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award. FBN

For tickets and more information or to submit a nomination, go to www.PrescottAthena.com.

An estimated more than seven million people greet the goddess Athena at the Louvre, in Paris, where she rules from the largest museum on Earth.

Photo by Rich Naden

COMMUNITY PROFILE //

BY BETSEY BRUNER, FBN

Communications from a Family of Hams

Local ham radio operator recognized for his outreach to 340 countries and entities

It was a thrill making contact with volcanic Bouvet Island, says local ham operator Bob Wertz, marking a 47-year quest and the final confirmed contact with all 340 countries and independent entities.

“Very few hams in the world have done this and I only know of eight others in Arizona that have ever contacted all 340 entities,” he said. “This is amazing to me, as there are about 22,000 Hams just in Arizona.”

Bouvet is an island dependency of Norway, located 9,124 miles from Flagstaff between South Africa and South America and closer to the Antarctic. It has been called the most remote island on the planet and is one of the top two locations, along with North Korea, that are the most difficult to contact by ham radio.

Wertz recently was recognized for his achievement. “This is one of the highest operating awards given out by American Radio Relay League,” he said. “Reaching DXCC #340 has not been done by many Hams, so it

was quite a thrill and honor for me to have accomplished it.”

It was also a daunting task, with some fantastic experiences associated with the effort.

“One of the most obscure locations I have talked to is Mount Athos in Greece. There are over 2,000 monks living there at a monastery and they only have one Ham operator. His name was Monk Apollo. I thought this might be the most difficult contact to make in my Ham career; however, one evening in November of 2016, I heard him on the air calling CQ (CQ means calling all Hams). He was using Morse Code to call and I answered him. I was very excited when he came back to me with a signal report and we made the contact. It wasn’t long after that I received his confirming QSL card, and then a year or so after that, he passed away.”

Amateur radio is also known as ham radio and amateur radio operators are “hams,” a term originally

coined by landline telegraphers as a derogatory slang word used to refer to amateur operators who they thought had poor skills, as in “ham actor.”

Amateurs adopted the term and

began using it to describe themselves and their hobby. There are more than 21,900 ham radio operators in Arizona and more than 700,000 in the United States. Ham radio uses the radio frequency spectrum for purpos-

es of non-commercial exchange of messages, such as wireless experimentation, radiosport contesting, private recreation and emergency communications.

“To get on the air to use ham

Continued on page 34

Bob Wertz, retired owner of Wertz Tire and Auto Service in Flagstaff, received one of the highest ham operating awards after connecting with Bouvet, considered to be the most remote island in the world. Courtesy photo

BY BONNIE STEVENS, FBN

Be Irresistibly Newsworthy in Story, Soul, Style

While attending a Phoenix-area Chamber of Commerce mixer, I couldn’t help but notice a woman who was speaking so passionately about her business that she had a crowd of about a dozen women completely entranced. In a tiny restaurant where people milled about smiling politely, pretending to be interested in the latest tax law and plumbing fixtures, she was holding court in a big way.

As a journalist and public relations consultant who is constantly on the lookout for people who have great stories to tell, I drew closer to find out what it was about this woman and her product or service that was so compelling. My curiosity level shot even higher when I felt a spark of familiarity.

And that’s when I saw them. On the counter next to her and in her hand were these beautifully polished metal objects. You could tell just by looking at them that they had heft. They were about an inch-and-a-half long and came to a point. “Jewelry!” I thought. “Beautiful, metallic jewelry. Earrings. Pendants. What a statement they made!”

I had no idea.

And this woman, she was a magnetic force in her own right. I was pulled in closer. She was saying something like, “These don’t exit. They are designed to tumble and spin and continue to cause damage.”

“Wait. What does this jewelry do?” I was confused.

As I leaned in to hold one of these shiny, weighty things, something like the sound of a hammer on a gun being pulled back clicked for me. These were bullets. Bullets that made a statement. Then another click, as I studied her eyes, her jawline, her voice.

This was JoJo (not her real nickname), a shy girl I knew from grade school. Thrilled with the joy of seeing a childhood friend, I excitedly called out, “JoJo!” – the only name I knew her by.

What followed pierced my heart. Her eyes darted my way in what looked like panic and sheer terror. She froze. My instinct to rush in for an embrace also froze. Her crowd dissipated. It felt like we had entered the vacuum of some weird time

warp. I was a threat, someone from her sad past, dredging up memories and pain that she had carefully buried and locked away decades ago.

JoJo had been mercilessly bullied. She was a year or so younger than me. I wasn’t aware of the deep hurt she suffered every day at the bus stop, in the classroom, on the playground. Everywhere. I knew this because she told me. She explained she didn’t go by “JoJo” anymore. And she told me why. The stabbing pain in my heart dropped to my stomach when I realized what seeing me had done to her, all over again.

We finally embraced. I told her I was proud of her and stepped away so she could recover. And she did. Moments later, a new crowd of women was drawn in, captivated by her knowledge, her confidence, her passion. Before my eyes, JoJo had time-traveled and transformed from a frightened little girl to a powerful, strong woman driven to help other women feel safe. The sleek bullet she held in her exquisitely manicured hand would not just wound or anger a threat; it would eliminate it.

JoJo was passionately speaking to

women who never wanted to feel frightened, weak, vulnerable and helpless. And they listened. The message landed and stuck.

When you speak with passion to your target audience, your message is received on a level that hits deep.

Like JoJo’s products, it doesn’t exit. It stays with you.

That’s what passionately speaking does. In business, passionately speaking has the power to captivate an audience and to resonate with potential clients and customers. We all have a story to tell. There’s a reason we do what we do. Telling that story and speaking with passion are skills that can be mastered. Sharing that message broadly can impact the world.

Next month, I am hosting a unique immersive media relations retreat in Sedona for women. Participants will have the rare opportunity to spend time with globally powerful, successful mentors such as the first newswoman inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame, anchorwoman Mary Jo West, Master Speaker

Trainer Arvee Robinson, Expression Expert Bobbie Casalino Lewis, journalist, author and storyteller Lisa Schnebly-Heidinger, Peak Potential business coach Colleen Biggs and clinical hypnotherapist Rosemary Powell. FBN

Find out more about how to receive “Your First-Class Ticket to the News Media World” at MediaRelationsWorkshop.com or contact Bonnie Stevens at bonnie. stevens@gmail. com.

Bonnie Stevens is a public relations consultant. She can be reached at bonnie.stevens@ gmail.com.

Grand Canyon Train Picks Up Steam After Pandemic Setback

Tourism boost creates growth issues for Williams

By Peter Corbett, FBN

This past winter, while icy roads cut vehicle traffic to Grand Canyon 22% in the first quarter, Grand Canyon Railway (GCR) powered through all the snow with a 5% increase in ridership.

Train travelers were treated to a snow-blanketed South Rim and photographers scored images of a century-old steam locomotive puffing smoke into the frigid air.

“We’re chugging along and only seeing more and more people coming out to visit,” said Sam Langner, Grand Canyon Railway vice president of sales. “It’s good to feel like we’re back to pre-2020 business.”

The Williams-based heritage train bounced back from a pandemic slowdown that cut its passenger count 18% in 2020. Last year, GCR was just 1,500 passengers shy of the 191,000 passengers it carried to the South Rim in 2019.

That’s good news for Xanterra Travel Collection, which owns and operates the train and has hotels on both ends of the 64-mile route between Williams and the Canyon. It’s also good for Grand Canyon Village,

since the train keeps roughly tens of thousands of cars out of the congested National Park each year.

GCR’s rebound is also good for the economy of Williams, known as tthe Gateway to Grand Canyon since 1902. Through the past 34 years, the railway has been a key driver of the Williams economy.

“It’s been positive because [GCR] helped put Williams on a stable financial basis,” said Williams Mayor Don Dent, adding that it has extended the tourist season beyond the summer months.

Preservation of the city’s historic district and Route 66 road trippers have also been a factor in a renaissance of Williams since Interstate 40 bypassed the town almost 40 years ago.

But the prosperity from the railway’s growth and other new attractions — Bearizona and Canyon Coaster Adventure Park — have created challenges for Williams. That includes a shortage of worker housing and a sewage treatment system that’s nearing its capacity.

The city’s sewer plant serves a population of about 3,200 residents, but at times it also serves close to

3,200 overnight visitors in hotels, recreational-vehicle parks and 200 vacation rentals, Dent said.

“We’re about to max out our sewer plant,” and the city is likely to enact a moratorium on sewer hookups within the next 60 to 90 days, he said. That will stall development at a time when Williams needs new housing.

GCR is one of the city’s largest employers, with 350 workers. Some commute from Flagstaff, Parks, Ash Fork and Chino Valley. The railway’s main office is in the 1908 Williams Depot and Fray Marcos Hotel. A satellite office is in Flagstaff.

Passenger service to the South Rim ended in 1968. GCR revived rail service in 1989 with modest traffic. It carried 84,203 passengers in 1991. That increased steadily to 238,380 by 2006, according to a National Park report.

Mayor Dent, 71, a Williams native, said the mountain town suffered economically when it was the last community on Route 66 bypassed by I-40 on Oct. 13, 1984. It was the day the music of the Mother Road died. Locals no longer had to worry about semis barreling through town, but traveler spending declined at Williams gas stations, restaurants and

motels.

Things looked especially grim when plans emerged to tear up the railroad tracks to Grand Canyon. Williams got a court injunction to halt salvage of the rails and ties, Dent said.

Luckily, a pair of angel investors, Max and Thelma Biegert, acquired the remaining railroad assets and

developed GCR. But it was a struggle.

“I don’t think they turned a positive nickel for a number of years,” Dent said of the Biegerts, adding that GCR’s new Williams hotel in 1995 improved its bottom line.

Passenger traffic doubled to 170,481 from 1991 to 2001 and increased another 40% by 2006.

The steam-powered train, shown in this 2019 photo, is chugging back to prepandemic ridership levels, boosting the Williams economy and keeping tens of thousands of cars out of the Grand Canyon National Park. Courtesy photo

The Color of Money

Murals attracting attention and customers

By Billy Miller, FBN

What is public art worth?

How do you place a value on beautifying shared spaces? When artists turn their work into large-scale projects available to all, who benefits? Another round of Flagstaff’s Beautification In Action

(BIA) grant opens Aug. 1, (with proposals due Sept. 15), which may provide answers.

Beautification and Arts and Sciences Coordinator Cristen Crujido oversees not just BIA grants but also manages the city’s public art collection – murals, sculptures, installations, mosaics and, thanks to BBB (Bed,

Board & Beverage tax) revenues, the list is growing. It’s work she’s well acquainted with, having spent more than 20 years in the non-profit arts. To her, the value is clear.

“It builds incredible relationships in the community, fosters ownership

and place, inspires playfulness, greens the environment – the intrinsic worth is priceless,” she said. “Public art defines a place and helps a community decide what it can be. We have incredibly rich and diverse legacies here – Indigenous, Latino, Black –

and public art reflects these histories, identities and varied experiences,” such as in a BIA-funded mini-mural by Jay Gallegos depicting the Sunnyside neighborhood and its culture. She adds that the most valuable part is in the name: “Public art is

Continued on page 30

This mural on the side of Absolute Bikes called All From A Moment Alive, created by local artist Lyle Motley, is often photographed and shared on social media, drawing attention to the business. Photo by Billy Miller

Artist Kayley Quick says the community has been warm and receptive to her artwork. Courtesy photo

Responsible Visitation Making a Difference with Flagstaff’s Trail System

By Meg Roederer

Flagstaff takes great pride as the “City of Seven Wonders” and in its commitment to protect the environment through ecotourism, promoting responsible visitation, and conservation efforts. Nestled in our backyard are unique natural wonders, beautiful landscapes, unforgettable terrains, spectacular overlooks, historic landmarks, cultural sites and breathtaking views across millions of acres. Our seven wonders include Grand Canyon National Park, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Oak Creek Canyon, Coconino National Forest and the San Francisco Peaks. Flagstaff offers opportunities to stay and play responsibly, encouraging exploration and discovery of the area’s natural wonders with the mission of learning about and ultimately protecting the areas. Responsible visitation is making a difference with Flagstaff’s trail system, and you can actively participate through two outstanding initiatives: Pledge for the Wild and the Flagstaff Trails Passport.

You can help protect Flagstaff’s special places with the Pledge for the Wild program. This initiative is dedicated to promoting responsible visitation and preserving the untamed beauty of Flagstaff, ensuring that wild places remain wild. By taking the pledge, you contribute to the efforts aimed at keeping the town beautiful, sustainable and clean. This public education effort informs both locals and visitors about responsible trail use while hiking, biking, wildlife watching or stargazing. Pledge for the Wild benefits the local non-profit Flagstaff Trails Initiative (FTI), which focuses on trail management. Taking part is as simple as texting WILD4FLAG to 44321 along with a donation, demonstrating your commitment to preserving our precious environment.

When you play locally and embark on an unforgettable outdoor adventure, you help preserve Flagstaff’s natural beauty with the Flagstaff Trails Passport. This must-have digital passport, available for free download at discoverflagstaff.com, provides a comprehensive listing of trails suitable

for all levels of experience, from leisurely strolls to exhilarating challenges. By accumulating trail points, you not only manage trail congestion but also unlock the opportunity to win amazing prizes. Easy trails are worth one point, moderate trails two points and challenging trails three points. The Flagstaff Trails Passport is an excellent guide to adventure and pairs perfectly with Pledge for the Wild.

Imagine you biked an epic trail in the world’s largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest, facilitated by the digital Flagstaff Trails Passport. After an incredible day of biking, you can redeem your well-earned prizes at the Flagstaff Visitor Center (1 E. Rt. 66) and celebrate with a cold craft beer from one of our renowned breweries. As you wait for that pitcher of effervescence, you notice a Pledge for the Wild coaster, and its message brings a smile to your face. You feel a sense of accomplishment and decide to give back to our wild places by making a donation. By texting WILD4FLAG to 44321, you pledge to donate for each mile you biked. Now, after your amazing bike ride, the local craft beer tastes even better, knowing that your donation supports the Pledge for the Wild initiative.

Encourage friends, family and neighbors to join us in protecting, pledging and playing locally. Discoverflagstaff.com. FBN

Actual

Meg Roederer is the communications specialist and Flagstaff film commissioner at Discover Flagstaff.

Getting to Know Foothills Bank of Flagstaff Branch Manager Tammy Floyd

By Randon Cupp

At Foothills Bank, we have been honored to serve Arizona communities since 1997 and serve from a branch location in Flagstaff since 2020. We are dedicated to bringing you quality service, being that friendly face that you know and trust, and, as your local bank, being as much a part of the community as you are!

We would love for you to meet our wonderful branch manager, Tammy Floyd. Here are some questions and answers to help you get to know her better.

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE FINANCIAL INDUSTRY?

A: I have been in the financial industry, specifically the Flagstaff market, for over 23 years.

Q: WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BEING IN BANKING?

A: In banking, you get to have a relationship with your clients. We see our clients monthly, weekly and even daily.

Q: WHAT MAKES FOOTHILLS BANK DIFFERENT FROM OTHER BANKS?

A: Foothills Bank is a community bank. This means that we are here specifically for the community of Flagstaff. Our management team and lenders are always out in our community, trying to make a difference. I like being part of a company that encourages community involvement.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS OR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?

A: When I am out of the office, you will always find me with my family and usually at the lake.

Q: IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND SHARE WITH YOUR YOUNGER SELF ONE LIFE LESSON, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

A: I would tell myself to take each lesson as it comes. Everything I have done up until now has gotten me where I am today. Be thankful for the lessons that mold you.

Q:  WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT LIVING IN NORTHERN ARIZONA?

A: I love the sense of community in Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. I love going to local football games and running into friends from high school. I love to visit local businesses and find new friends along the way.

Q: WHAT MOTIVATES YOU IN YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE?

A: I am always motivated by my family. They inspire me to be the best person I can be in my work and home life.

Q: IS THERE ANYTHING WE HAVEN’T ASKED YET THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR FLAGSTAFF COMMUNITY?

A: I am proud to be part of the Flagstaff community that continues to impress me with their generosity and kindness. When tragedy impacts our residents, I feel Flagstaff bonds together to help others in need. FBN

Randon Cupp is SVP/Market President of Foothills Bank. Foothills Bank is dedicated to bringing quality service, the best banking products, and commitment to community through its 15 branches across Arizona. Our Flagstaff branch is located at 1750 S. Woodlands Village, Suite #100, across from the westside Home Depot. For more details, visit foothillsbank.com. Foothills Bank, division of Glacier Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. If you are looking for a true partner who’s also a good neighbor, consider it done.

Foothills Bank Flagstaff Branch Manager Tammy Floyd says she continues to be impressed by the community’s generosity and kindness. Courtesy photo

Discovering the Perfect Garden Ambiance

By Misti Warner-Andersen

In today’s fast-paced and stressful world, your outdoor space can provide a much-needed respite from the grind of daily life. Now, as we head into mid-summer and with your garden coming into full bloom, it’s time to consider how to create your perfect garden ambiance.

If you are reading this column, it’s likely you have been spending the last few months weeding, planting, watering and nurturing your garden beds and veggie patches. You’ve pruned those shrubs, trimmed your trees and are starting to enjoy the fruits of your labor. But now it’s time to accessorize your outdoor space and create a complete garden environment that is uniquely yours.

With a few additional accents or fixtures, you can create a garden ambiance perfect for sharing with family and friends or even on your own when you want some “me time.”

This environment will continue to reflect the atmosphere you’ve created with your plants. It all depends on the elements you add to it. You can go for Zen, whimsical, rustic charm, “glam garden” or fabulously ornate. Let your imagination be your guide and extend your home décor into the great outdoors.

Here are a few ideas to help get you started.

SPLASHY OR SUBTLE WATER FEATURES

ƒ Water is the music of nature. It can be trickled over stones, cascaded from great heights to crash on rocks or meander through a path to a pool of koi and hardy water lilies. The addition of a water feature in your yard can be soothing and soulful or wild and exciting.

ON THE BORDER

ƒ A sunny perennial border of flowers can be formal or informal, square, rectangular or round. With strategic placement and selection, plants can produce a parade of color straight through to fall.

NATURAL PATHWAYS

ƒ Decorative bark, pebbles and pavers will create movement and flow through your garden without disrupting your carefully planted flowers and grasses.

GARDEN ACCENTS

ƒ Decorative birdbaths and hummingbird feeders to draw your winged friends, benches to rest on while enjoying your plants

and flowers, and windchimes that dance and sing in the breeze can all augment your garden.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

ƒ The right lighting can transform your garden at night. You could use a combination of spotlights, uplights and string lights to create a magical atmosphere.

ADD A THEME

ƒ Theme gardens are a great way to create an environment that makes

you feel like you are a world away. A Japanese garden, including elements of Zen or Feng Shui, can infuse your garden with a simple elegance, while ornate fountains and statues can give you a taste of Renaissance Italy. At Warner’s Nursery, we specialize in creating environments. It is our hope that everyone gets a chance to connect with nature this season in the beauty of their backyard, where a garden’s

ambiance can be inspiring, relaxing and enjoyable.

Indulge yourself and create an environment that can take away the worries of the day and be shared with your friends and family. Happy gardening!

Misti Warner-Andersen is the manager of Warner’s Nursery & Landscape Co., located at 1101 E. Butler Ave. in Flagstaff. To contact Warner’s Nursery, call 928-774-1983.

Flagstaff Ghosts Founder, Marine Veteran Departs for Fourth Trip to Help Ukraine

FBN Photographer Shows Support for Police

Flagstaff and Grand Canyon photographer Veronica “Ronnie” Tierney of Fresh Focuses Photography studio, believes supporting the local police department is important. After visiting the Flagstaff Police Department, she realized the pictures on the walls of the entryway were dated.

“While working on a feature news story, I visited the Flagstaff Police Department and decided then that I would donate a nice metallic print,” said Tierney.

She sent Chief Dan Musselman several recent shots of the Grand Canyon.

He chose his favorite, a sunset shot at Navajo Point.

“I felt like this was one nice way I could express my gratitude for Flagstaff Police,” she said. “They do so much for us. They’re always just one call away and on a daily basis face so many different trials. I often wave when I see them and give them a thumbs up.”

“This print will help those serving the public here and also those who visit us for what is usually an unpleasant circumstance,” said Chief Musselman. “I hope they will find inspiration in the beauty of nature.” FBN

As the war in Ukraine enters its 16th month, Lance Zaal, founder of Flagstaff Ghosts, embarked on his fourth trip to the war zone in June to continue to support the men he trained and others he met along the way. Some of the fighters include Americans who have volunteered and Russian Legion members fighting for Ukraine, whom Zaal financially supports. Zaal is a U.S. Marine veteran who has traveled to Ukraine on three separate occasions in the last year.

He first trained 80 civilians to resist invading Russians in March and April 2022 and equipped them with body armor vests, first aid kits, night vision gear and other supplies. On subsequent trips, he supported the Ukrainians with drones, thermal and night vision optics and secure communications equipment.

Zaal has spent nearly $250,000 and continues to seek donations to help Ukraine through his private organization, Ghosts of Liberty, established to support the resistance movement

and help citizens in Ukraine fight back.

“I will continue to do everything I can to meet the needs of those defending Ukraine. Despite assistance from governments and organizations across the world, the scope of the conflict is so vast – and brutal – that many small and important needs remain unfulfilled,” he said.

“I may not be training any longer, but I feel I have a duty to continue my support by employing my resources to a just cause.”

Zaal calls the war in Ukraine everyone’s fight. “The men I trained were good people and not fighters. They are photographers, real estate investors, doctors, dentists and artists – all who rose to the occasion,” he said. “It’s easy for me to give money,

when they are forced to fight for their lives and loved ones.”

In December, Zaal started Flagstaff Ghosts, operated by U.S. Ghost Adventures, which provides ghost tours in Flagstaff’s historic district. FBN

"I love

Flagstaff and being a part of this amazing community! I wouldn't want to

anywhere else

- Tammy Floyd, Branch Manager

Lance Zaal

Understanding the Difference Between an ENT and Audiologist

By Jeff Lane, Au.D.

Hearing health care can be a steep learning curve for many patients. It’s not something which is commonly discussed until help is required. One common question is the difference between an audiologist and an ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician. In actuality, both of these providers work together closely to holistically treat the patient. But the two are distinct professions with important distinctions.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE

Before delving into the differences, it is important to define the idea of “scope of practice.” Scope of practice refers to the services a licensed individual is legally allowed to provide. If a treatment is outside the scope of practice, the practitioner cannot perform it, regardless of their knowledge. For example, an audiologist may be trained to identify an ear infection, but prescribing antibiotics falls outside their scope of practice. Scope of practice plays a major role in distinguishing audiologists and ENTs.

WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY THE EAR, NOSE AND THROAT PHYSICIAN?

An ENT is a physician who has specialized in that area of the body. They have gone to medical school and have a Doctor of Medicine

(M.D.) or a similar degree. ENTs are able to prescribe medicines and perform surgeries and other medical procedures. In the case of ear infections, for example, the ENT could take a culture of the bacteria and prescribe an appropriate antibiotic. If the infections are chronic, they could insert pressure equalization (PE) tubes to provide a long-term solution. Surgical implementation of cochlear implants (CI) or bone-anchored hearing aids (baha) would also be performed by an ENT. All of these services fall under their scope of practice, while falling outside that of audiologists.

While it may seem obvious, it is also valuable to remember that ENTs treat conditions beyond the ears. If somebody has sinus issues, an ENT could treat them. Thyroid disease and infected tonsils can also be treated by an ENT. So, their breadth

of services is far wider than an audiologist’s. They are also permitted to make referrals to other healthcare providers. Since they cannot perform hearing evaluations, they will refer to an audiologist (provided they don’t have one working at their practice).

WHAT DOES THE AUDIOLOGIST DO?

An audiologist is a medical professional specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness. While they do have a doctorate, they do not attend traditional medical school with other physicians. Rather, they attend a four-year graduate program and receive a clinical doctorate. In other words, they have a doctorate specifically in audiology, rather than being a general physician who chose a specialty. They are also required to take continuing education courses to keep their knowledge current.

If your main concern is gradual hearing loss, it is best to see an audiologist first. They will be the ones to perform a hearing evaluation and diagnose the type and degree of hearing loss. An ENT will always

want a hearing evaluation, so if you plan on seeing one, scheduling with the audiologist first will help to facilitate the process. Once hearing loss is diagnosed, the audiologist can counsel on management options. If hearing aids are determined to be the best solution, the audiologist will order them and then program them and provide education. They will also be the ones to maintain and repair the devices. While a surgeon would implant a CI or baha, the audiologist will be the one to perform all the programming.

If the hearing loss is determined to be caused by a medical condition, such as a hole in the eardrum, the audiologist will recommend that the patient see an ENT for intervention. However, the audiologist cannot provide an actual referral, as it is currently outside the scope of practice. A sudden hearing loss would also be a reason to collaborate with an ENT. (Please note, if you do have a sudden hearing loss, see an ENT first and immediately, as the rate of successful treatment is much higher with earlier

intervention.) In essence, an ENT treats medical conditions, while an audiologist manages the symptoms and helps to improve quality of life.

An audiologist can also help to manage tinnitus, provide custom hearing protection, and diagnose and treat vertigo. They can also clean out ear canals.

Ultimately, the goal of both audiologists and ENTs is to help improve the lives of their patients. Hopefully this article has provided some insight and guidance on the role of both individuals. However, if any uncertainty remains, call your local audiologist and they can help to guide you to the correct location. FBN

Trinity Hearing Center is located at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more information, visit the website at TrinityHearing.net. Jeff Lane is a doctor of audiology with a passion for improving the lives of others. Dr. Lane may be reached at 928-522-0500 or at audio@trinityhearing.net.

Honoring our Past by Focusing on our Future

By Eric Heiser, Ph.D.

My family and I have been so warmly welcomed to our new home in Coconino County, and I have been busy in my new role as the sixth president of Coconino Community College. My priority upon assuming the post was to embark on a wide-ranging tour of the communities served by CCC to get a better sense of what is expected of your community college. In essence, I came prepared to learn. That meant listening to students, faculty, staff, community members and leaders, alums, partners, champions and even critics, as they spoke to me about what they find works for their community college, what challenges the college faces and what can be improved.

I heard stories filled with passion. I heard stories of dedication. I heard stories of how this college and its people have helped change so many lives. I learned of CCC’s history, of how each of the college’s locations and programs work as a whole. I have had time to process all this information, and I have compiled a report on my first 100 days, which organizes what I learned from all the conversa-

tions and meetings I had or attended throughout the county.

Informed by the past, firmly rooted in our present practices to help with student success, I am dedicated to challenging us all to envision – and then implement – strategies and actions that will help steer the college and our students into the future successfully as our institution, our state and our country continue to emerge from the effects of a global pandemic. Education is the opportunity for people to create meaning in their lives and to have that chance, people need access to education – whether to acquire certification for new skills, to begin a journey toward a four-year degree, or simply to continue fulfilling a desire for personal enrichment. It is why I am in the field of education, and I am graced by every moment I get to be helpful in student journeys in creating meaning for their lives – to raise a family, to become better people, to find their passions and to hop on for the ride to take them wherever they may lead.

A successful first-year experience is crucial. Completion is the ultimate goal. Therefore, my report details a plan forward that takes access, first-year success and completion into account.

There will be many partners on the way and this focus will need the selfless effort of the entire CCC community. What I heard during my time of listening and learning about what CCC should focus on in the future fits into 11 categories:

ƒ Expand Educational Offerings – Focus on expanding educational offerings, with specific focus on career and technical (CTE) programs.

ƒ Enhance Student Support and Success – Focus on and put resources (budget) behind enhancing student support services to ensure success on their educational journey.

ƒ Make Mental Health a Priority – The mental health of CCC’s students and employees needs to be a priority as we move forward from the pandemic.

ƒ Enhance Communication and Transparency – Maximize communication among employees to ensure effectiveness in our vision and mission as a college.

ƒ Foster a Growth Mindset –Focus on the exciting and new possibilities for the next 30 years and move to a perspective of growth.

ƒ Clearly Communicate CCC’s Vision – Clearly communicate educational vision for the communities we serve based on a firm understanding of those communities by their members.

ƒ Foster Collaboration and Unify Culture – Dedicate the college to fostering collaboration as well as unifying the culture within the walls of the college.

ƒ Emphasize Professional Development – Provide more opportunities for faculty and staff to further themselves with professional development for the benefit of our students.

ƒ Embrace History and Focus on the Future – Acknowledge CCC’s 30-year history and keep that history in mind as we focus on the next 30 years and beyond.

ƒ Democratize Data – Use data to provide insight into how best to move forward, and ensure the data is publicly and easily accessible.

ƒ Enhance and Grow Partnerships – CCC must continue to cultivate and nurture partnerships with businesses, non-profits, and govern-

ment agencies.

I express my gratitude and thanks to the CCC District Governing Board, NAU President Jose Luis Cruz-Rivera, CCC’s students, faculty and staff, and most of all, the residents of the communities served by CCC. I eagerly await working with all of you in partnership to make our college a place known for its desire to help all who come to our doors. In doing so, may we all honor CCC’s past by focusing on the college’s future. FBN

For a look at the complete 100-Day Report, visit www.coconino.edu/president.

Eric Heiser, Ph.D., is the president of Coconino Community College.

NACA Assists Future Community Leaders, Promotes Education on Indigenous Issues

By Almalía Berríos-Payton

The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 granted citizenship to all Native Americans born within the territorial limits of the United States. Individual Native Americans needed to belong to their tribe to have a right to land and communal property. Previously, Native Americans would be given citizenship by assimilating into mainstream American life and giving up tribal affiliations or

entering the armed forces. Providing dual citizenship allowed for individual Native Americans to own land within their tribe without giving up tribal affiliations.

Although Native Americans were granted citizenship, not all had full citizenship and suffrage rights, since the right to vote was governed by state law. Discrepancies in federal and state control allowed for loopholes in enforcing the Act. Finally, in 1948, all 50 states allowed for Native

The barriers to voting for Native American citizens were prominent in registration, casting a ballot, and having their ballot counted. Additionally, with a lack of representation in candidates, Native American voters often could not elect candidates of their choice, or represent themselves, because of a lack of resources.

American citizens to vote, after a judicial decision.

Native American tribal leaders who were against citizenship had concerns about tribal sovereignty. Some felt acceptance of the Indian Citizenship Act was “treason” because the United States Senate was forcing citizenship on all Indians without their consent. The Indian Rights Association pushed for the clause “tribal rights and property” to remain in the Indian Citizenship Act, to preserve Native American tribal identity while allowing individuals to gain citizen rights and protection.

The barriers to voting for Native American citizens were prominent in registration, casting a ballot, and having their ballot counted. Additionally, with a lack of representation in candidates, Native American voters often could not elect candidates of their choice, or represent themselves, because of a lack of resources. Presently, Native Americans are continuing the fight for their right to vote, as some states pass laws preventing them from voting in United States elections. Political equity improves individual’s lives and families. Exercising

voting power can improve socio-economic status, self-determination, land rights, water rights, health care and other causes. Voting is one way to fight historic discrimination and can ensure Native American voices are heard. Indigenous organizations like the Native American Rights Fund work to protect voting rights and foster voter engagement in Native American communities worldwide. Organizations like Native Americans for Community Action, Inc. (NACA) provide services, such as capacity building in Native American communities by assisting future political and community leaders, fighting stereotypes of Native American individuals and organizations, and advocating as a knowledge base on Indigenous issues to governments and other non-Native organizations.

The mission of Native Americans for Community Action Inc. is to provide preventive wellness strategies and empower and advocate for Native peoples and others in need, in order to create a healthy community based on harmony, respect and

Indigenous values. NACA strives to meet the needs of both Native and Non-Native residents of Flagstaff. Many of NACA’s programs are designed to provide service and aid for those in need, or those disproportionately underserved, within the Flagstaff community. FBN

NACA’s Family Health Center currently offers the seasonal flu vaccine, the COVID-19 Moderna and Pfizer primary vaccines, and the COVID-19 bivalent booster. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 928-7731245.

Almalía Berríos-Payton (Lenca/Pipil de El Salvador) is the marketing and public relations officer at NACA.

Finding Your True Self Through Recovery

By Roy DuPrez

Growing up in a small town in Indiana, Jay Zody never felt like he truly fit in. Coming from a hardworking family, Zody lived the life of a typical midwestern boy, playing sports and making good grades, until he fell in with the wrong crowd in his late teens. What once was a good life took a drastic turn as Zody began using drugs after high school. His drug use resulted in him dropping out of college, losing most of his friends, and his family turning their back on him. Luckily Zody’s story is one of redemption, as he is now five years sober and looking to give back to people who are suffering from their own addictions.

GROWING UP

Zody’s mother worked multiple jobs while he was growing up, which meant he spent a lot of time on his own. Even though he was active in school and had many friends, he never felt like he had real friendships.

“I always felt different than everyone,” Zody said. “I had a lot of friends from different cliques, but I still didn’t feel like I fit in anywhere, so in my later years of high school, I started self-isolating.”

During this time, Zody quit playing sports, stopped being active in school

and didn’t hang out with anyone. Instead, each day after school he would go straight home to play video games and be alone. In the latter years of high school, Zody would find a new group of friends, which lead him to his introduction to marijuana.

“I was around 16 when I started smoking pot,” he said. “I started skateboarding and hanging out with that stoner type crowd and we would smoke weed together every so often after school.”

This was only the beginning, as after high school, Zody would turn to harder drugs.

“After high school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” he said.

“I went to a private liberal arts college because everyone always told me to be successful in life, you had to go to college. After a semester and a half, though, I moved back home, got my own place and was on my own for about a decade. College just wasn’t for me back then.”

After moving back home, Zody started hanging out with people he knew from high school that had stuck around his hometown. From age 19 to 20, Zody started smoking marijuana more often and when it became hard to find, he decided to start selling it himself.

“After I started selling weed, I always

had people over at my house hanging out, drinking and smoking,” he said. “It was the first time in my life where I felt like I fit in. It was also when I was introduced to harder drugs like pills, hallucinogens, cocaine and eventually found heroin, which changed everything.”

IN THE MIDST OF ADDICTION

The minute Zody found heroin, he knew he was in trouble. Describing the drug as a “warm blanket,” he said after using heroin, it was the first time he felt normal in his own skin. This was also the time everything in his life truly started going downhill.

“After feeling the effects of heroin, I immediately started chasing that feeling every day,” Zody said. “Everything started speeding up quickly. I started shooting up and ended up in jail and a couple of rehabs. It was multiple years of just hell.”

The drug use began taking a toll on his family. At first, they were oblivious to his addiction until they started to understand the signs. Zody began isolating himself once again until the addiction got so bad, he began overdosing and stealing from his family to support his habit. Continually putting his mother in bad situations, she decided it was time for some tough love. The last time he got out of jail, his mother

told him he was no longer allowed at her home.

Knowing he had a problem for years, Zody said he just didn’t know how to stop his drug use until he hit rock bottom.

“Everyone’s rock bottom is different,” he said. “Mine was more of an emotional rock bottom. Everyone had shut me off except my dad. He let me come stay with him, but I screwed that

chance up as well.”

Zody’s father, who was a former drug addict himself, was fighting to get his daughters back from Department of Child Safety during this time. The plan was for Zody to stay clean, get a job and be on the straight and narrow. This didn’t last long until Zody began shooting up again inside the home. Finally, Zody took a long look at his dad and saw the changes he had made

Continued on page 32

Hiking in the red rocks and spending time in nature is part of the recovery program at Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery in Flagstaff. Courtesy photo

BY BECKY DAGGETT

Encouraging Diverse Voices

The City of Flagstaff is proud of the work we’ve done to include more and diverse voices in all aspects of decision-making. Likewise, much effort has been made to acknowledge and honor that our city and surrounding lands are ancestral homelands for at least a dozen Indigenous nations. We share natural resources and are all called to be good stewards of the land, air and water we need to survive.

For many years, a coalition of Native American tribes has been leading

an effort to provide additional protections to lands of cultural, historic and environmental significance around the Grand Canyon. These are lands that visitors to Northern Arizona – as well as those of us fortunate enough to reside here – treasure for many reasons.

On April 11, this coalition called on President Joe Biden to use his authority under the Antiquities Act to protect these lands by designating them Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument.

Tip of the Month:

Baaj nwaavjo means “where tribes roam” for the Havasupai Tribe. I’tah Kukveni means “our footprints” for the Hopi Tribe. These tribes are part of the 12-tribe coalition driving this effort.

The monument would protect a little more than 1.1 million acres of federal land near Grand Canyon National Park and wouldn’t include any state or private lands. The designation as a monument would continue to allow existing uses such as hunting and grazing and would make perma-

nent the current 20-year moratorium on mining.

Protecting these lands as a national monument would protect precious water resources that flow into the Colorado River and wildlife habitat for many species of birds and mammals. It would also ensure economic opportunities that cities and towns throughout Northern Arizona rely upon.

The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County have

both publicly stated support for the monument designation, our hope is that this coalition is successful in protecting these lands for us all to enjoy in perpetuity. FBN

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Becky Daggett is the mayor of Flagstaff.

MOVING continued from page 1

University in the fall, working toward her goal of becoming a high school history teacher. “I’m really close to her and I wanted to support her and watch it go. Every time we had family gatherings at their house across the street someone would say, ‘Stella was born in that house!’ Seeing it go felt so unnatural but it’s really good that it will be preserved.”

Westheimer says the home was built around 1920 by Will and Ann Marlar. “Will was a pharmacist, an undertaker and a state senator. He had a funeral parlor, a dance hall and built an auto garage. He built 20 homes in Flagstaff.”

She says the Marlars sold it to Frank and Louise Wolf in 1924 or 1925. Louise’s grandchildren, Martha Wolf Jacobson and her brother, Tom, were visiting Flagstaff from Mesa, while the home was being prepared for the move.

“It was really emotional for me,” said Martha. “My brother and I would spend two weeks every summer there for 15 years while we were growing up. I was having flashbacks. We used to climb up on the hill – there were no houses up there then – we found the pond and played pirates. Grandmother had a chicken coop in the back of the house. We used to gather eggs. And she had a rock garden and a beautiful catalpa tree that we thought was a

bush. I almost cried when the house was being taken off the lot. I know my grandmother just loved being in Flagstaff.”

In 1974, the home was sold to Eleanor Raudebaugh. “I’ll be honest. When I first saw it being lifted up, it was really, really emotional for me. I have so many wonderful childhood memories spending time there with my grandmother. I lived with her in the summers as she got older,” said Terry Gochanour, Eleanor’s grand-

daughter.

Gochanour and her mother, Mary Lou Raudebaugh Morrow, happened to drive by the house when it was being prepared for relocation. “It looked like a bomb went off! said Gochanour. “It was incredibly heart-warming to learn that it was going to be preserved and brought to the neighborhood where my mother grew up. To see that it’s going to be around forever made my heart very, very happy.”

Gochanour recalls her grandmother’s powerful voice that filled the entire house when she sang. “She could harmonize to anything. I will forever remember waking up in the morning and hearing her sing church hymns. I can remember standing on the counter putting dishes away when lightning struck across the street and it shook the whole house. She was so matter of fact about it. Nothing fazed her. She was my hero. My mother is so much like her. We have a legacy of

strong women and I hope I’m carrying that on with my daughters.”

In the early 2000s, Helene and Jim Babbitt’s son, Charles, lived there as a young man and then with his wife, Traleigh, and their first daughter, Stella. Moving the house was the responsibility of Garrett Denny, owner of Prescott-based Vibrant Building Solutions, and his team members Vince Fornara, Anthony Collum and Sean Timlick.

Continued on page 29

Stella, Helene, Britania, Isla, Traleigh, Charles and Kalista Babbitt gathered with Martha Wolf Jacobson, Tom Wolf, Mary Lou Raudebaugh Morrow and Terry Gochanour to pay tribute to the home that was important to their families.. Courtesy photo

Vibrant Building Solutions of Prescott carefully and slowly navigated the historic home through downtown Flagstaff’s streets without harming the house or vegetation. Courtesy photo

MOVING continued from page 28

The move began at 6 p.m., Wednesday, June 28. “The size of the house wasn’t very big, but the route was very challenging because of how tight the homes were on Hillside and the trees,” said Denny. “The logistics were a bit challenging. At times we had only six or seven inches of space on either side of the house.”

“I’m just so impressed with what Duffie Westheimer and Charlie Silver [of Townsite CLT] did. They just kept after it.” said Helene. “And, the movers were just incredible, these people are so talented. The house was stalled for about an hour in front of my house and they had to move the wheels underneath by hand in order to change direction of the rig. They did that twice. They were never worried. It was an incredible feat.”

The historic house was delivered safely to 615 W. Birch St., nearly 10 hours after the move began, where it will become part of the neighborhood. “Louise Wolf’s grandchildren, Tom and Martha, stayed until 3:45 a.m.,” said Westheimer. “The house is sitting a little higher than the other houses right now. When the foundation is built, it will look like it’s always been there. Will Marlar built at least one house on West Birch.”

Townsite Community Land Trust was established in Flagstaff in 2014. The bungalow is the non-profit’s sixth property. Plans include replacing the roof, adding a small laundry room and making it available for the organization’s affordable housing program. A qualified homebuyer will be able to purchase the house below market value. The new homeowner will be required to maintain the

By Terry Baker

property and when the home is sold again, they will earn the compounded interest and Townsite CLT will be able to sell the home again.

“This is a community investment and it makes me feel good that we can provide housing to our teachers, park employees, researchers – people who used to be able to afford a home in Flagstaff but can’t anymore. Then they become caretakers of Flagstaff’s history,” said Westheimer. “There’s a value to historic preservation and respecting the people who built this place. History explains the town’s character and why it is where it is. When a nonprofit controls the disposition of these historic houses, they will always be preserved.”

“It was such a cool night to see all those people coming together and sharing history and memories,” said Gochanour. “The Babbitt girls brought out coffee cake and it was such a positive evening with family and friends in support of preserving all that history. We’re a bit of a throw-away society these days. Whatever we can do to make sure that history is remembered and preserved, I’m all for it.” FBN

For more information about Townsite CLT, visit www.townsiteclt.org.

Managing Risk in Your Life

By Rob Wilson

Every action we take in our lives includes an element of risk. Both consciously and subconsciously, we constantly evaluate those risks and then modify our behavior. The result is a risk level that we as individuals are comfortable with.

Daily activities as simple as crossing a street are relatively low risk if, and only if, we apply the commonsense criteria of looking both ways beforehand. Too frequently, we see folks so absorbed in their electronic devices that they are completely unaware of any risk around them. They are apparently OK with the increased risk that most of us would want to avoid.

Being deliberately conscious of the risks we’re exposed to is the way to best manage and prevent unacceptable consequences. We each have different levels of acceptable risk and make our own decisions accordingly. Those decisions cover the spectrum, from crossing a street to handling firearms.

In the firearms world, we follow The Four Fundamental Firearms Safety Rules, which practically eliminate the risk of adverse consequences. The recent event on a movie set in New Mexico clearly disregarded both common sense and two of these rules. Had these rules been followed, one less life would have been lost and the tragic impact on all involved would not have occurred.

The rules are:

ƒ Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

ƒ Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire.

ƒ Never point the muzzle at anything you’re not willing to destroy.

ƒ Know your target and what is beyond it. EVERY person handling a firearm must know and follow these rules. Sadly, they are written in blood.

As firearms instructors, we frequently hear students say, “I’m afraid of guns.” That fear can be redirected into a reasonable risk management strategy for someone who is not familiar with firearms. Once these same people understand the safety rules and the specifics of how a firearm functions, the fear is replaced with respect.

As with any potentially high-risk activity, proper training and adherence to the safety rules mitigates the risk. Knowing, understanding, and practicing The Four Fundamental Firearms Safety Rules is critical to that process and will prevent future tragedies. FBN

Rob Wilson is the owner (with his wife, Elise) of Timberline Firearms & Training in Flagstaff. They offer a full line of firearms, accessories, safes and ammunition along with Liberty Safes. For more information, visit timberlinefirearms.us.

truly public,” Crujido said, “free to experience, 24/7, 365 days a year. You don’t have to visit a gallery or museum, it’s accessible to everyone.”

To that end, the city’s three-person department is busy – launching the new round of grant funding, documenting the city’s public (and even some private) works in a database, updating a downloadable map that’s free at the Visitor’s Center and overseeing major installations at Pulliam Airport and the Library.

Absolute Bikes owner Ken Lane thought he’d done his part more than 15 years ago by hiring local artist Lyle Motley to create an original mural. “I just said it needs to have a bike in it,” he remembered. Motley was up on the wall for 10- to 12-hour days over six weeks. “One of the hardest things was people stopping him to talk,” Lane said with a laugh.

Almost $15,000 later, Lane had All From A Moment Alive. Its active cycling scene and colorful, swirling patterns makes it one of the town’s most recognizable artworks seen from Route 66. And maybe, he had something more. “It makes you think,” Lane said. “I love the message I get out of it – the freedom of being on a bike.”

Now, that message is in danger. With the stucco beneath the paint cracking, Absolute Bikes is in the process of injecting glue behind the

mural and securing it to the wall, which could be another $5,000 to $10,000. Painting over would be far cheaper. Yet, Lane’s General Manager Kyle McKendree agrees with him on the value. “It’s one of the more photographed spots, we get tagged on social media all the time. Twice today, in fact.”

And the art may prevent a less desirable type of tagging, “The wall has been hit with graffiti only twice, where it happens to buildings nearby all the time.” McKendree said, then mused on the mural’s true value. “We

really believe cycling is good for the community, especially with current road conditions and traffic. This is one way we show our commitment.”

As murals, sculptures, installations and the like prove their worth, the city is also broadening public art, opening grants beyond artists to non-profits, community organizations and public/private partnerships, as well as facilitating community gardens, pathways – even wrapping traffic utility boxes. Artist Kayley Quick helped select potential works, then won a commission of her own.

“Honestly, they paid pretty well,” Quick said. “I’ve been impressed with how the city put in funds comparable with what an artist ought to make for their work.” And the city’s investments – in all these ways of looking at them – are paying off. “The community reception has been really warm. Even in those moments of passing small bits of art, you feel like you belong, feel parts of yourself or feel connected to it. Even, ‘Hey, that’s someone I know who did that’ is really special in a small way.”

Small, yet invaluable. FBN

Beautification In Action Grant Application Public Art and Beautification Opportunities, see the City of Flagstaff Official Website: https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/4411/Public-Art-and-Beautification-Opportunit

The City of Flagstaff’s Public Art Map https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/ flagstaff-2018/craft/FlagstaffPublicArtMap.pdf?mtime=20200227143831

Time Lapse Video of Lyle Motley Creating All From A Moment Alive https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=VqapmzDQRh0

City officials say public art reflects the character, history, diversity and values of the Flagstaff community, drawing interest from locals and visitors.

Photos by Billy Miller and courtesy of City of Flagstaff

of a good meal and a cheap motel or a quiet campsite, the two pushed through self-doubt, sore bodies, unwanted attention and torturous climbs, like the ride up Wyoming’s 9,000-foot Shell Canyon on Day 40.

“The road got so steep we had to stand on our pedals for extra oomph. It felt like we were biking at a 90-degree angle and might tumble backward. Sweat poured off our bodies, dripping on the ground and collecting in little pools on our handlebar bags. After a few miles, a travel bus chugged by, then pulled over ahead of us at a turnout. A group of tourists spilled out on the road. Instead of walking toward the scenic overlook, they aimed their cameras in our direction. One man followed me for an inordinately long time, recording my progress inch by inch. I think we were photographed more on this trip than the rest of our lives combined.”

A communications professional, retired from a long career in TV, radio and film, Liza is a gifted storyteller. She offers readers a fun journey that can be picked up and put down one day at a time – great for a road trip. Many of the adventures are relatable and some are terrifying, like being pulled into the drag of a huge RV on a fast highway or an encounter with the “Killer Cowboy,” on Day 48, near Custer, South Dakota.

“An old cowboy in a beat-up blue

truck drove past, then slowed considerably. We could see him squinting at us, deep wrinkles creating an angry scowl. He studied us in the rearview mirror while driving only 10 feet ahead, his expression frozen in place. I watched the pick-up inch forward, making note of the gun rack in the back window. Several long hunting rifles perched in place, silently warning us to stay away. When the summit came into view, the man pulled over and got out of his truck. Squinting and never cracking a smile, he chewed and spit, chewed and spit, chewed and spit. I winced as the cowboy ducked back out of the cab, but fear turned to relief when we saw two Cokes in his hands.”

By Day 20, a 30-mile day no longer seemed overwhelming. By Day 30, nothing hurt. And every day, life on the road offered something, including interesting characters like Chuckles the Clown, a retired rodeo clown they remained friends with long after the trip; Beige Edna, a woman who blended into her monotone surroundings and had nothing colorful to say; and, Magnet Lady, a “stone-cold crazy” person who latched on to Clark.

“We took a much-needed rest at a café. My attention was immediately drawn to an odd-looking woman I guessed to be fiftyish. A child’s Easter hat sat at an odd angle on her head. Laying eyes on Clark, she zeroed in like a laser beam. Hi-i-i-i…,” she

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purred seductively, sashaying toward him. She brought out a big set of magnets, claiming they helped energy flow more efficiently throughout a body. This might have been an interesting discussion, but she got a little too personal with Clark, rubbing magnets up and down his back and trying to drop them in his shoes. “Buy sssssommmmmme,” she said, trying to beguile.”

As McQuade reports, Clark asked her politely to leave him alone. But she continued, more aggressively, rubbing his legs with the magnets. Finally, he stood up and told her to leave him alone.

She let out a shrill, diabolical laugh that echoed off the walls. Her eyes turned icy black, and the energy in the room felt stifling.

Around Day 90, McQuade remarked how comfortable she had become not wearing makeup in public. By Day 97, she noticed how she could zip up her sleeping bag with ease and still have space for rolling over and breathing comfortably. And, on Day 119,

All of a sudden, there it was – the Atlantic Ocean. Not our final destination of Portland, but close. I was speechless, filled with mixed emotions.

Spontaneous Revolutions is a beautifully descriptive and often hilarious account of travel by bicycle through America’s small towns, scenic byways

Bonnie Stevens' Communication Station is delivering a refreshing, engaging and inspirational vodcast (video podcast) that features Northern Arizona businesses, outdoor adventure and leadership tips twice a month. Zonie Living is sponsored in part by Flagstaff Business News

Go to https://starworldwidenetworks.com/shows/bonnie-stevens

and historic landmarks. It serves as a powerful reminder that most people are kind, caring and generous. It also lands the message that we should not wait to do something meaningful for ourselves. In the words of a preacher the couple met along the way, “Life is short; never postpone happiness.”

A few years after their ride of a lifetime, Campbell died unexpectedly. McQuade compiled her notes into a book to commemorate the summer the two of them shared something truly special, grew closer and felt the strength of their love and support

very popular, and many travelers combine a week of hiking/biking with a cruise in Europe. “These really get you to soak up a place and explore it. Although I’m a little biased, I think Switzerland is the best place to explore the outdoors because our mountains are so beautiful, getting around is so easy and the diversity of hiking trails is absolutely amazing. You can do a panoramic trail where you take a gondola up to the mountain and then you follow the ridgeline and see some lakes along the way, you have something to eat or drink at one of the mountain huts and you can take a different gondola back down to the little town where you started. Or you can go on a full-day, really strenuous hike into the Alps.”

Popular among Northern Arizona travelers are trips to South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Botswana and Namibia. “Safaris are on everyone’s bucket list, and you need to go while you can still handle the longer flights and traveling through the bush in an open fourwheel drive vehicle while watching animals in the wild! Trekking with the gorillas is not only for the super fit, anyone that can do basic hikes will enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience! We really qualify our clients to make sure they get the best trip possible.”

However, you are not roughing it if you go on a safari, she points out. The tents have carpeting and bathroom faculties, including a shower. “I love the tents because you can hear the wildlife at night,” she said. “Imaging that you are enjoying a sunset, looking at the animals, you are out in the open in a little plunge pool having a glass of wine.”

The key to visiting Africa, she says, is under-

through every mile.

After reading “Spontaneous Revolutions,” you may find yourself rooting for unlikely athletes, no matter how far away the finish line is and believing what Liza discovered, “Surmounting a challenge is mostly a mind game.” FBN

“Spontaneous Revolutions: Seeing America

One Pedal at a Time” is available on Amazon. Hear directly from Liza McQuade on Zonie Living at https://starworldwidenetworks.com/shows/bonnie-stevens

standing how diverse the continent is. “If you go to South Africa, you have the city of Cape Town, which is comparable to San Francisco. I think South Africa has the best cuisine in the world – it does such an amazing job with flavors, the wines are amazing and of course, you have unique meats.”

For travel in the U.S., she says Nashville and Seattle are competing for tourists with New York City, New Orleans, San Diego and Honolulu. “Nashville has been amazing. They have added so many hotels and are adding even more activities. Anyone who enjoys live music has to go to Nashville.”

Seattle appeals to city lovers as much as to nature lovers. “It offers an abundance of outdoor adventures. Mount Rainier is only three hours away. Also, you can take a ferry over to one of the islands. We love the vibrant cafés, the fun fish market and just exploring the city!”

Whether your dream vacation includes water, mountains, art or gorillas, Leuenberger highly recommends planning and booking early and buying travel insurance. FBN

Avenues of the World is based in Flagstaff. Owner Monika and Yves Leuenberger are celebrating the travel business’s 30th anniversary this year. For more information, go to https://www.avenuesoftheworld. com or call 928-556-0853.

To hear more travel adventures and tips from Monika, watch Zonie Living at https://starworldwidenetworks.com/shows/bonnie-stevens.

Liza and Clark dipped their wheels in the Atlantic Ocean after cycling more than 3,000 miles from Portland, Oregon, to Portland, Maine in 122 days without planning, training or carrying a cell phone. Courtesy photo

TRAVEL continued from page 3

RECOVERY continued from page 26

in his life.

“My dad, who I always thought of as the drug addict, was no longer that,” he said. “I realized I was worse off than he ever was. My dad was finally doing something good for himself and the family. After almost overdosing one night, my dad and I got into a scuffle, and I finally realized I needed to change so I could make something of my life.”

ROAD TO RECOVERY

After bouncing around in a couple of rehabs, Zody found Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery in Flagstaff, which would help him turn his life around for good.

“Coming into B2B, I immediately knew it was different,” he said. “It was a small group of guys all around my age and by listening to their stories and trying to get well together had a big impact on me.”

B2B offered Zody counseling, life skills and ways to get emotionally, physically and spiritually healthy. Backpacking trips helped teach him leadership skills and how to work in groups. Therapy sessions helped him deal with the trauma of his past. Being in the outdoors opened his mind to a higher power guiding his life. Each aspect of the program left a mark on him, leading him to the life he leads today.

“I’ve been sober now for five years,” said Zody. “Everyone’s life has ups and downs, but with the connections I built at B2B and the recovery rooms we were

brought into by the program, I know I can get through anything life throws at me.”

Zody is now back in school working on his bachelor’s degree in social work and plans to enroll in a master’s program after graduation. With his degrees, he eventually wants to become a therapist to help others who have gone through similar situations in life. Being sober has changed Zody’s life forever. He now has the tools and skills to lead a fulfilling life and knows that as long as he continues working on himself, he can achieve great things.

“Drugs never gave me anything. Sobriety has given me literally anything I want to achieve, as long as I put in the work.” FBN

Roy DuPrez, M.Ed. is the CEO and founder of Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery in Flagstaff. DuPrez received his B.S. and M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University. Back2Basics helps young men recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Back2Basics is an adventure recovery program, up to six months, for young adult males ages 18-30 with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaningful life. In our program, clients are exposed to a weekly combination of both wilderness adventures and residential programming. For more information, visit back2basicsoutdooradventures.com, call 928-814-2220 or email rduprez@b2badventures.com.

Northern Arizona Healthcare Opening Pulmonology Clinic N

orthern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) plans to open its new pulmonology clinic in Flagstaff this month. The pulmonary clinic team will offer a full spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures designed to treat and care for respiratory disorders, including obstructive pulmonary diseases.

The pulmonary providers that are staffing the clinic have decades of experience in both inpatient and outpatient pulmonary care. They have received awards and fellowships and have been published in peer-reviewed journals for their pulmonary research.

The opening date is scheduled for Monday, July 17 at 1215 N. Beaver Street, Suite 203. The clinic is accepting appointments now at 928-7732200.

If a patient is currently receiving pulmonology service in the Flagstaff area and wishes to transition to the new pulmonary clinic, NAH requests that they call to book an appointment. The patient should then contact their current pulmonary provider to request a copy of their medical records to bring to their NAH appointment. FBN

For more information on current services available at NAH, please visit https://www. nahealth.com/.

GCR TRAIN continued from page 17

Xanterra bought GCR from the Biegerts in 2007. The company, which operates lodging at Grand Canyon and other national parks, has grown GCR into one of the nation’s most popular heritage trains.

“The [Grand Canyon] National Park is the magnet that brings folks in,” Langner said. “On the sustainability side of things, we keep just over 60,000 cars out of Grand Canyon National Park annually.”

That is 5% of the 1.2 million vehicles that entered the park last year. But Xanterra has other sustainability initiatives.

Last year, Xanterra completed the $35 million Maswick South Lodge, adding 120 rooms. It was the first new hotel in the park in a half century. The lodge is 40% more energy efficient than the buildings it replaced, and uses reclaimed water for landscaping, Langner said.

GCR also retrofitted its steam locomotive in 2009 to run on recycled vegetable oil.

“It even kind of smells like French fries as it’s chugging along,” he said. “What always surprises folks about the railway experience is just how you are, in a sense, transported back in time. We’re so used to plugging into our phones, putting in the headphones and not paying attention. This is an experience that forces you to really take it all in.” FBN

MASTER SPEAKER continued from page 6 people give. Oftentimes they don’t give any real content, they don’t give any real meat. And we know it! We know it immediately! So, whether your speech is long or short, you need to have some great content, so it fills up the audience.”

Robinson also helps clients craft their professional story – the reason why they do what they do. “I teach them to share that story, to go deep, to get connected to it so people get to know them, because we all buy from people that we know, like and trust.”

Lorena Coello is the founder of Personalized Skincare based in Fullerton, California. Her goal as an esthetician is to provide accurate information and quality products that help people have healthy, youthful looking skin. Coello has a thriving business, but she knows she can help more people through public speaking and videos. While working with Robinson at the Puerto Vallarta retreat, her unique backstory came out that bolstered her credibility.

“There are a lot of influencers, vendors and other people selling skincare and giving advice that is not quite the correct advice,” she said. And that motivated her. She spent years testing and researching skincare products only to find that many of them had additives that weren’t good for the skin, didn’t help the skin or smelled bad.

Coello was so focused on her education as a young woman that she invested the money she made while working at a salon into her research, sacrificing her quality of life. For two years, she lived in an attic without air conditioning or heat, a space so small that she had to crawl into it and couldn’t fully stand up in it. She started working with a chemist and made her own products.

“I really wanted to be more comfortable speaking in groups, but I was always afraid of people thinking negatively about me that I never let my guard down,” she said. “I made a lot of steps being in that group of women in Mexico – it was so beautiful. I feel like I’m a different person in a confident way since I came back from the retreat. That fear is completely gone now.”

Robinson says the best way to eliminate fear of public speaking is through practice. “Most people don’t practice enough and that’s the problem. They wing it. They get nervous. They get scared. That’s why they forget what they are going to say. They are not fully prepared. You need one hour of practice for every two minutes of speech so that you become the speech. If you have a 30-minute speech, you need to practice for 15 hours.”

Lori Giovannini, a certified brain health coach from Mishawaka, Indi-

ana, attended the retreat to learn how to be a more impactful speaker. Her target audience is Catholic women. Her goal is to help them live balanced lives, to be “healthy and holy,” she said.

“I’ve talked in front of a lot of people at retreats and workshops and I thought I was giving a lot of value. But I realized I was sharing so much information that I was talking at the audience, instead of speaking in a way that they would listen and walk away with something deeper that they could put into practice in their own lives,” said Giovannini. “I think a lot of people write speeches like they are writing a book. Arvee taught us how to craft a speech so that people would listen.”

Following Robinson’s guidance, Giovannini changed her speaking style and her audiences are praising her presentations. “I learned you can’t just give a pretty talk, you have to make sure you have a strong close. Arvee taught us the importance of the close at the end of the speech. We cheat our audience in a way if we get them to a point and don’t offer anything more.”

Robinson also stresses the importance of maintaining your instrument – your body, including your voice. She recommends public speaking at least once a week to stay in shape. “The physical body is your tool. You

need to exercise, eat right and take care of yourself to be able to perform well and maintain your stamina. When you speak for one hour, it’s like working an eight-hour day.”

And that energy is part of Robinson’s appeal. At 68 years old, she is a disciplined body builder who follows a strict diet and exercise regime and is preparing for a competition this fall.

“When I first met Arvee, it was through a virtual summit. I wondered, ‘Who is that fiery redhead?’” said Olivia Vo, known as the Savvy Social Strategist and Savvy Social Humorist. “I just loved her demeanor. She incorporated fun props into her speaking and was so masterful at conveying that high energy, which is hard to do virtually.”

Vo was going through a major career shift at the time. She had recently left a staffing and recruiting position in an environment where she no longer felt valued. She was figuring out how to go into business for herself and incorporate humor into her career. She was signing up for classes, going to seminars and searching for coaches.

“I could see her true colors,” Vo said about Robinson. “Arvee wasn’t just training people, she was building a community. She wants to show you behind the scenes. She wants to show you her formula. She’s a servant leader who wants you to succeed.”

Today, the women from the retreat continue to stay connected and supportive of each other. Woods writes some poetry but mainly helps others write and publish their stories into books. She also gives speeches that connect with her audience and result in new clients. “Arvee teaches you how to give a great speech,” she said. “And when you do that, people listen. They look at you differently. And now, I feel different.” FBN

The Master Speaker Trainer Arvee Robinson will be presenting and coaching at Bonnie Stevens’ media relations workshop retreat in Sedona, “Your First-Class Ticket to the News Media World,” Aug. 15-19. Visit MediaRelationsWorkshop. com. Also, hear how to become a superstar speaker with Robinson on Zonie Living at https://starworldwidenetworks.com/ episodes/how-to-becomea-superstar- speaker-with-arvee-robinson-video.

radio, it can be surprisingly inexpensive,” said Wertz. “You would need a transceiver [radio] and an antenna. Many hams start out with used radios, which can be found for as little as $250. Then you would need an antenna. New hams are shown how to easily build their own wire antennas, which you can hang in a tree or on a fence post, even in their attic. With this type of setup, you can work the world!”

Expensive extras can be added, such as tall towers, antenna tuners, directional antennas, high powered amplifiers and more.

Wertz, who lives on Townsend Winona Road, was born in Waukegan, Illinois, raised in Antioch, Illinois, and then moved to Phoenix in 1965, after he graduated from Eastern Illinois University. He was the owner and operator of Wertz Tire and Auto Service in Flagstaff for 30 years and retired in 2004.

His interest in ham radio began early in his life. “When I was about 10 years old, I found a box of what I thought were postcards in the basement of our home in Antioch,” he remembered. “Some of them were from other countries and addressed to my father. When I asked him about the cards, he told me he had been a ham radio operator, first licensed in 1932, and those cards were called QSL cards, which were used to confirm

contacts made with other hams. One particular card I remember seeing was from South America, and that fascinated me. That discussion with my Dad sparked my interest in ham radio.”

Wertz says he comes from a family of hams, as he also had an uncle who was licensed, as well as a brother, a niece and Wertz’ own two grandsons. His own career as a ham operator began after he moved to Flagstaff to run a Goodyear dealership.

“During that year, I noticed that the Flagstaff community schools were offering a class about getting a ham license,” he said. “I enrolled and after taking that class, I got my first, entry level FCC Ham License – and the rest is history,” he said.

After his dad was relicensed in the 1980s, Wertz and his brother and father, all living in different locations, would rendezvous for a Saturday coffee gathering together while they were on their ham radios. “We did this for many years, and I think about that as being such a special to time for all of us,” he said.

Probably his most exciting contact, he says, was the one with Bouvet Island. “The DXpedition had been planned for a year but they had so many problems when arriving there by boat, that it almost did not happen,” he said. “They had very high winds, which caused lots of problems

getting equipment to the shore and up a hill to the operating site.”

They were unable to set up two of the tents and the amplifier didn’t make it to shore. Only one radio was able to get on the air. “That radio was set on a bucket that was turned upside down, and the operator sat on the floor of the tent while making calls,” Wertz said. “Their signal was very, very weak, so I listened and listened for them and finally heard their Morse code signal and gave them a call. Somehow, we made the contact and I believe I was the only one in Northern Arizona that made contact with them.”

Wertz entered this last contact on his master list.

There will be a Flagstaff HAMFEST hosted by Northern Arizona DX Association, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, July 15, at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E. Butler. The event will have speakers, a swap meet, vendor tables and ham-related items for sale. Exams will be given for ham licenses. Coffee and donuts and a pizza lunch will be available. More than $4,000 in prizes will be announced for attendees. Admission is a $5 donation. The event is sponsored by the Amateur Radio Council of Arizona.

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and Europe but Lake Powell has always been my favorite place to spend time. Why? Because of the scenic beauty, the serenity and so many places to explore and relax.

BUSINESS ADVICE FOR NEW ENTREPRENEURS

Get experience in the field you want to end up in, make plans and follow those plans. Don’t be afraid to take a chance!

MY SUPERPOWER

Getting along with people.

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Last June when my first grandson got married. I was so thrilled, happy and proud!

FAVORITE HOBBIES

Woodworking, fishing, traveling and gardening. I plan to mentor young hams as well as operate many radiosport competition events, or ham radio contests where I compete with hams around the world to see who can make the most contacts and contact the most entities during a typical contest weekend. I can do this from my own home in Flagstaff. FBN

RECYCLING continued from page 4

who is trying to keep the town’s recyclables in domestic markets as much as possible.

There are two key challenges to growing the city’s recycling programs for both residents and businesses. The first is contamination. The watch words are:

EMPTY, CLEAN and DRY – IF IN DOUBT THROW IT OUT.

“Putting food waste or one full bottle of water in a recycling cart or dumpster causes problems and increases costs down the recycling chain. Also, please don’t put your recycling inside plastic bags,” added Tyrrell, as “they cause big problems at the recycling plant.”

The second challenge is convincing everyone that recycling is both economically and environmentally worthwhile. “It saves space in landfills and conserves energy and natural resources. Recycled material typically uses just 10% of the energy it takes to make products from raw materials.” FBN

Public recycling drop off has reopened, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday at 1800 E. Butler Ave.

121 E. Birch Avenue, Suite 408 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Phone 928.310.9662 Fax 928.226.0303 Email: Rich@flagstaffbusinessnews.com www.flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Founder: Troy Bix

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Photography, Aspen ProMedia, Betsey Bruner, Sue Marceau

Contributing Writers

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Flagstaff Business News is a publication of Flagstaff Business News, LLC and is distributed free each month to residents of Flagstaff, Sedona, Williams and Winslow. Reproduction of any portion of the publication is strictly prohibited without expressed permission. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements submitted to the newspaper and is not responsible for the claims of its advertisers.

The couple majored in business at Swiss universities, Monika in Zurich and Yves in his hometown of Basel. Yves handles finances. “I do the financials, looking after the books, negotiating contracts and making sure there’s toilet paper in stock,” he said.

Monika, working with staff, handles sales. “I love putting trips together, alongside with my team,” she said.

Today, business is bouncing back after hard times during the pandemic. “We were pulling our hair out; our business was down 80 percent,” Monika said. “I had to cancel trips, advise clients of best moves, fill out forms. They could get a refund or a credit at a later date.”

Clients were urged to take credit rather than refunds, as they were worth more. “We were all in the same boat,” Yves said. “It hit everyone hard.”

The financial picture was helped in 2020 because January and February were strong, Monika said.

“Also, we were lucky because we were able to maintain our whole team. They stuck with us, and we stuck with them.”

Now, the travel picture is rosy. Bookings are way up. “Our business is better than ever,” Monika said. “There’s still pent-up demand. People are getting older. They are realizing if they don’t go now, they may never be able to go.”

“COVID also showed a sense of urgency to follow your dreams,” Yves

added. “People are thinking it could be taken away again.”

Travel is also more expensive now.

“Post-COVID, prices have gone up worldwide for everything,” said Monika. “They have to make up for lost time. Pent-up demand is huge industry-wide – cruise lines, resorts, hotels and airlines. Our advice is to book early. It’s almost impossible for last-minute booking.”

Each member of the Avenues of the World team specializes in different travel areas. “We basically cover the entire world,” Monika said. “My specialties are Switzerland, continental Africa, small ship cruises, Peru and New Zealand.”

Travel advisor Daniela Harrison handles sales for expedition cruises, small ship cruises, luxury world cruises, Africa, European river cruises, South

Pacific, and Antarctic and Arctic cruises.

Senior travel advisor Eleanor Masayumptewa specializes in Asia, cruises, Costa Rica, beach vacations, Ireland and Europe.

Travel advisor Judy Ruppert handles Japan, cruises, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Europe and Tahiti.

Travel advisor Maeghan Goldman covers beach vacations, river cruises and Europe.

The company features top-quality guides. “There are so many options of places to visit,” Monika said. “It t is really helpful to have good guidance. It’s all about the relationships we have.”

“It’s about making sure the destination travel goes smoothly,” Yves said. “We stay in touch with the company we work with.”

Avenue of the World itineraries

feature a variety of known and lesser-known destinations. “Of course, you have to see the must-see places, but you also want to see things that are off the beaten path,” Monika said. “For example, the Matterhorn is a must-see, but there’s also Giessbach Falls. It’s one of my personal favorites. It’s a great place to hike and look down at the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz with its glacial runoff.”

During COVID, the Leuenbergers, who usually take about three trips aboard together each year, took no trips at all.

This year, they are making up for

lost time with an eight-day cruise in June with clients and friends to Norway, followed by a Baltic cruise from Stockholm to Copenhagen. “Because of the war in Ukraine, we are visiting smaller ports we wouldn’t have considered prior to the war,” Yves said.

In addition, during the first couple of weeks in November, they will travel with a small group of friends to Kenya and Rwanda.

When traveling, the couple’s dog, Zorro, a 5-year-old Aussie lab mix, stays happily at home.

“We also have two horses,” Monika said. “We have great house sitter.” FBN

Travel Advisor Monika Leuenberger encourages visitors ot explore her homeland of Switzerland. “Our mountains are so beautiful, getting around is so easy and the diversity of hiking trails is absolutely amazing.” Courtesy photo